Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor’s much-anticipated Hindi drama Homebound has finally been released in theatres today. The film has created a buzz after its premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Interestingly, Homebound has been chosen as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2026 Academy Awards.
Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film explores caste, ambition, and friendship during the COVID-19 pandemic. It tells the story of two childhood friends [Mohammed Shoaib Ali (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan Kumar (Vishal Jethwa)] who aim to clear the police recruitment exam for respect and better opportunities. Their journey, filled with challenges and emotional highs and lows, has connected deeply with viewers worldwide.
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Social media is buzzing with praise for the film. One user wrote, “#Homebound is one of those films that doesn’t just end with credits, it lingers. Neeraj Ghaywan made something that feels so close to home, yet strong enough to travel. Feels special that this is the film stepping out for us, from India to the Oscars, from our towns to the world.”
Another shared, “A lot of people are gonna relate to this film, and if it is created with the same love and care like Masaan, nobody will be able to stop it from becoming a massive hit. Rooting for Vishal & Ishaan, hope this changes things for them. #Homebound.”
One reviewer said, “India’s official #Oscar entry is a raw and honest film about two friends stuck in lockdown far from home. With no flashy songs or big sets, it’s all about real stories, emotions, and social truths. It’s not a commercial masala flick, but a meaningful, emotional journey that stays with you.”
Is Homebound A Good Movie?
Yes, Homebound (2025) is considered an important and engaging film. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the Hindi drama explores caste, ambition and friendship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa give strong performances as childhood friends facing social and systemic challenges. Many have praised the film’s honest storytelling and emotional depth. Rediff has called it deeply moving and IndieWire gave it an A- grade.
The film gained international attention after its premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation. It was the only Indian film in the Un Certain Regard section and was later chosen as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2026 Oscars.
What Is It About?
Homebound is based on Basharat Peer’s article “Taking Amrit Home,” published in The New York Times. The story draws from real-life events, focusing on the struggles of marginalized communities as they face social and systemic challenges. The film turns these experiences into a heartfelt narrative, highlighting both hardships and small victories.
